Point In Time Count

A team from a Home For Everyone In DeKalb gathers to receive training before hitting the streets for the 2026 PIT count

Once a year in DeKalb County and across the country, the Point in Time (PIT) count is conducted. This census of unhoused individuals, both sheltered and unsheltered, is mandated by HUD (Housing and Urban Development) and affects the funding our community receives to support these individuals.

Volunteers (including from A Home For Everyone In DeKalb) gathered at 8:30pm for training and began the PIT count by 10pm. It was notable to see various community partners, including Nicholas House, Our House, assorted volunteers, and DeKalb County officials take part. These include Commissioners Michele Long-Spears and Nicole Massiah, who have experienced housing insecurity themselves.

Teams were divided to cover all areas of the county, offering unhoused individuals a survey in exchange for a $10 McDonald's gift card and shelter at Frontline Response, which provided transportation. Our group, part of a hot spot team with a police escort, focused on the City of Decatur, checking known gathering spots and encampments.

Many individuals greeted us warmly, recognizing us from community work. This connection motivates us to ensure these individuals are not forgotten by officials. By 1am, after covering our area and surveying 6 individuals, our group, alongside an officer who had been on duty since 6am, concluded the count. The survey data will be compiled and released later, though it is acknowledged that a single night cannot capture all unhoused individuals accurately. This is merely a snapshot from one point in time.